When asking the question “How many belts does a man need?” the reply to oneself could be “turns out, you need three.”

Tad Doyle, Charles Peterson, Bruce Pavitt, Jack Endino, Mark Arm, J Mascis and Larry Reid, among many, many others, were all in attendance for this one of a kind fashion advice and for the one day only Birthday celebration of Sup Pop records. Of course Sub Pop is now under the wing of Warner, not so much independent indie label now as more; mothered by the moguls.

The Panel

Who cares? It would seem that no-one does, if the turn out in Seattle’s Georgetown District on Saturday July 13 2013 was anything to go by. Of those in attendance, some had travelled from afar, Canada and Brazil included. Others were more local and prominent and included Duff McKagan and Chadd Channing.

SUB POP MEGA MART, was open for the birthday celebrations only. Selling re-issues, buttons, hats, tees and gum by the cart load and a wall of art, ideas, pictures and more, was set up inside, featuring many artists past and present, for your viewing pleasure.

Jones Soda bottles were specially labeled with Sub Pop stickers for the day and everyone was a LOSER. The sun shined all day and every one enjoyed the FREE music provided at the three stages. However, there were those who were disgruntled to find that one stage was part of the beer garden, so deeming it 21 plus. The show was advertised FREE, Family and ALL AGES. Many music fans are not yet 21 and many families were in attendance. Tad Doyles; Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth and Jack Endinos; Earthworm were two of the acts that became inaccessible to the younger crowd as a result of this.

Birthday Soda Pop

Not bad news was the fact that Mudhoney were on a different stage and delivered a kick ass set. A touch of a comedown after playing LATE NIGHT with Jimmy Fallon, a first TV performance for the band in 18 years, prior to then becoming the first ever band to play live atop the Seattle Space needle the day after. All part of the birthday celebrations and all well received by older and younger fans alike.

The early bird catches the worm!

Non Sub Poppers Feast, opened the show, well and with angst too. Pissed Jeans were also in the mix.

New comers on the Sub Pop label, METZ, from Toronto, Canada worked the crowd into a frenzy and played a set of songs that although many had never heard before, grabbed lots of attention, including that of McKagan and would surely prompt some smart purchases soon after.

Solo, it would seem that J Mascis is for an acquired taste. Many afront the stage that Mascis played were appearing bored and phased by the whole set. Mascis played well and sang with conviction, but even being presented by the Mayor of Seattle didn’t enthuse the crowd, who had quite obviously gathered for Mudhoney and Built To Spill.

Armed and slightly giddy!

I move my own shit, Mayor!

Big guns Soundgarden did not play. Interesting as Doyle had mouthed their name as part of the infomercial advertising the show. Kim Thayil, also included in the same video clip noticeably failed to appear. Of course Nirvana are no longer together….

Nonprofit radio in the way of KEXP, who have eternally supported the efforts of Sub Pop musicians were in attendance, as was Northwest Parkinsons Foundation. This as a result of Sub Pop co-founder Jonathan Ponemans announcement of the fact he has Parkinsons Disease, in May 2013.

Food , water and hippies were provided for the bash. Fashion sense and hair styling tips were not, socks and sandals and bad 80’s attire had re-surfaced especially for the occasion.